Cricket
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announces HBL PSL 11 window
Islamabad (Sports News): Chairman PCB Syed Mohsin Naqvi announced the official window for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL). The HBL PSL 11 is scheduled to take place from 26 March to 3 May, 2026.The confirmation of the HBL PSL 11 window marks a significant milestone as preparations intensify for the league’s next phase of expansion. The Pakistan Cricket Board will also host the New Teams Auction on 8 January, 2026 at the Islamabad Convention Centre, where the rights for two new HBL PSL franchises will be offered. The auction will be broadcasted, providing transparency and global visibility to prospective investors and cricket fans worldwide.The HBL PSL continues to attract strong international interest, reflecting the league’s growing commercial strength, expanding global footprint and long-term growth potential. Recent engagements with global stakeholders have underlined confidence in the league’s business model and its positioning among the world’s leading T20 competitions.Recognised for its high-quality cricket, competitive balance and role in developing elite international talent, the HBL PSL has firmly established itself as a premier global T20 league.
India beat Pakistan by 90 runs in ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup
Dubai (Sports News): Three wickets each by Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam and a half-century from Huzaifa Ahsan went in vain as India U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 90 runs in the Group ‘A’ match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday.After being put in to bat, India were bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs, with Aaron George top-scoring with 85 off 88 balls. Captain Ayush Mhatre was the other notable run-getter, providing an aggressive start with 38 off 25 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes to give India early momentum.Pakistan fought back well through their bowlers, with left-arm pacer Sayyam and right-arm fast bowler Subhan claiming three wickets each. Niqab Shafiq chipped in with two wickets, while Ali Raza and Ahmed Hussain picked up one wicket apiece to prevent India from batting out their full quota of overs.In turn, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships and were dismissed for 150 in 41.2 overs. The innings never gained momentum after early setbacks, with Pakistan losing four wickets for 30 runs in 13.1 overs.Right-handed batter Huzaifa stood out for Pakistan with a fighting knock of 70 off 83 balls, laced with nine fours and two sixes, but he received little support from the other end. Captain Farhan Yousaf contributed 23, while Usman Khan added 16 runs at the top of the order.For India, player of the match Kanishk Chouhan (46, 46b, 2x4s, 3x6s) returned figures of three for 33 in 10 overs, while Deepesh Devendran also bagged three wickets.Pakistan U19 after defeating Malaysia U19 by 297 runs in their opening match on Friday, will now take on the UAE in their final group match at the same venue on Tuesday, 16 December. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9am local time.Scores in brief:India beat Pakistan by 90 runsIndia 240 all out, 46.1 overs (Aaron George 85, Kanishk Chouhan 46, Ayush Mhatre 38; Abdul Subhan 3-42, Mohammad Sayyam 3-67, Niqab Shafiq 2-38)Pakistan 150 all out, 41.2 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 70, Farhan Yousaf 23; Deepesh Devendran 3-16, Kanishk Chouhan 3-33, Kishan Singh 2-33)Player of the match - Kanishk Chouhan (India U19)
Sharjah Warriorz beat MI Emirates by six runs
Abu Dhabi (Cricket News): The Sharjah Warriorz produced a well-rounded performance to edge past MI Emirates by six runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday. It was their first win of the DP World ILT20 Season 4, led by the batting prowess of Johnson Charles, with a lot of credit also going to the bowlers.Charles set the tone for the match with a composed 77 off 53 balls, including seven fours and four sixes as the Warriorz set a target of 175. In reply, MI Emirates were given early impetus by their openers, but the momentum shifted decisively in the middle overs. Sikander Raza and Junaid Siddique’s two wickets each proved crucial for the Warriorz, ensuring that Nicholas Pooran’s late assault of 48 in 35 balls went in vain.Jonny Bairstow (31 off 23) and Mohammad Waseem (44 off 29) set the tone early, with Waseem striking a six off Taskin Ahmed and both batters finding regular boundaries off Maheesh Theekshana. Despite disciplined spells from Taskin, Junaid Siddique and Matheesha Pathirana, the openers brought up a brisk fifty stand inside six overs, powering MI Emirates to 54/0 at the end of the powerplay.The Warriorz hit back through stand-in skipper Raza, who turned the game in the middle overs. He first removed Bairstow in the eighth over, with Pathirana taking a sharp catch, and then dismissed Waseem in the 10th, bringing MI Emirates’ strong start to a halt.The pressure soon told as the collapse gathered pace. Pathirana accounted for Tom Banton (11 off 14) in the 13th over, before Siddique struck twice in the 15th, dismissing Kieron Pollard (1 off 4) and Romario Shepherd (2 off 3) in quick succession to leave MI Emirates reeling.Needing 25 off the final over, Pooran threatened to steal the game with three sixes, but Siddique held his nerve, conceding only 18 runs to seal a tense six-run victory for the Warriorz.Earlier in the match, Farooqi initially kept things tight, but Charles soon broke free, cracking a six and two fours in a 17-run third over to lift the tempo. Allah Ghazanfar then came under pressure as Charles struck a pair of boundaries, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore (30 off 32) played a steady supporting role. The Warriorz made a measured powerplay start, reaching 48 without loss.Charles continued to anchor the innings, bringing up a half-century off Rashid Khan in the tenth over. Kohler-Cadmore rotated strike efficiently at the other end as the pair took the Warriorz to 109/0 after 13 overs, laying a strong platform for a big total.The 112-run stand off 82 balls was finally broken in the 14th over when Ghazanfar removed Charles. Kohler-Cadmore followed soon after, and the Warriorz briefly faced pressure for the first time in the innings.Raza (29 off 22) ensured the momentum was maintained in the death overs, striking cleanly off Farooqi and punishing full tosses and wides, while James Rew (24 off 14) added a brisk cameo. Zahoor Khan then finished strongly, dismissing Raza with a well-directed slower bouncer and conceding no boundaries in the final over as the Warriorz closed on 174/3.
U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Malaysia by 297 runs
Dubai (Sports News): Centuries by Ahmed Hussain and Sameer Minhas led Pakistan U19 to a dominant start to their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 campaign, registering a comprehensive 297-run victory over Malaysia at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday. Seven players – Ali Hassan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq and Sameer made their maiden appearance for Pakistan U19, contributing to a memorable all-round performanceAfter being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable 345 for three, built around an unbeaten 177 from player of the match Sameer. 19-year-old right-hander anchored the innings with 11 fours and eight sixes in his 148-ball knock.Multan-born Sameer knitted a massive 293-run stand with Ahmed Hussain, who scored an impressive 132 off 114 balls, smashing eight fours and two sixes.In turn, Malaysia struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, folding for 48 in 19.4 overs. Ali Raza struck early and finished with three for 11, while Peshawar-born left-arm pacer Sayyam also bagged three wickets. Daniyal claimed two for six and Niqab Shafiq wrapped up the innings with one wicket as Pakistan maintained complete control in the match.Pakistan U19 will now face India U19 on Sunday, 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9am local time.Scores in brief:Pakistan 345-3, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 177 not out, Ahmed Hussain 132; Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran 2-91)Malaysia 48 all out, 19.4 overs (Ali Raza 3-11, Mohammad Sayyam 3-27, Daniyal Ali Khan 2-6)Player of the match – Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19)
Farooqi’s four-fer power MI Emirates to comfortable seven-wicket win.
Abu Dhabi (Sports News): MI Emirates returned to winning ways after securing a seven-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The win took the side to third on the points table with four points to their name, having won two of their four matches in the DP World ILT20 Season 4.It was a comprehensive performance with both bat and ball by the MI Emirates, who rode of Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 4 for 14 and Kamindu Mendis’ three wickets in the first innings to bowl them out for 122. Chasing a meagre total, Muhammad Waseem’s quickfire 27 runs off 12 balls, and then Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 49 off 38 balls, including seven fours, was enough to take MI Emirates over the line.Waseem opened the chase in style, smashing three sixes off Khary Pierre in the third over. He looked dangerous, but Ajay Kumar removed him with an edge to the wicketkeeper in the fourth over.Nicholas Pooran (3 off 6) fell soon after, nicking to Brandon McMullen off Jason Holder, but Bairstow took control. He blasted Kumar for four fours in a 17-run over, and Tom Banton (29 off 20) added a 16-run surge off Olly Stone, including two fours and a six. Their onslaught reduced the target to just 34 runs needed from 66 balls by the ninth over.Banton and Bairstow’s 64-run stand off 43 balls ended when Pierre had Banton caught by George Garton, but it was only a brief pause. Kamindu Mendis (10* off 7) finished the job with a six off Stone, sealing the win in 13.5 overs.Sent in to bat first, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders started aggressively through Phil Salt (17 off 9) and Alex Hales (6 off 8), but the momentum faded quickly. Romario Shepherd removed Salt, Farooqi dismissed Hales, and ADKR slipped to 37/2 by the end of the Powerplay. McMullen (15 off 19) managed a lone six before being stumped, while Alishan Sharafu (38 off 34) tried to keep the innings steady amid the fall of wickets.Mendis tightened the grip further, removing Liam Livingstone (2 off 6). Sherfane Rutherford (7 off 8) showed brief intent with a four off Mendis but edged behind to Pooran in the same over, piling on the pressure.Sunil Narine (26 off 20) then provided a spark, adding a brisk 36-run stand off 22 balls with Sharafu to revive ADKR’s hopes. But just as momentum returned, Sharafu fell to Rashid Khan, and skipper Jason Holder (2 off 5) soon departed to Farooqi as well.Narine kept fighting, but another attempted big shot off Zahoor Khan went straight to Mendis. Farooqi then delivered the final blows in the 20th over, removing Khary Pierre (1 off 2) and Ajay Kumar (0 off 2), as MI Emirates bowled out ADKR for 122 in 19.3 overs.
Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by one run in T20
Abu Dhabi (Sports News): The Desert Vipers were the victors in yet another thrilling clash, beating MI Emirates by one run at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The win, which went down to the last ball, was the Vipers’ fourth-straight triumph of the DP World ILT20 Season 4. The Vipers consolidated their position as the table-toppers with eight points to their name. Defending 159, the Vipers initially struggled to take wickets. The game turned in the 19th over, when David Payne — who finished with 4 for 29 — claimed three crucial scalps. UAE’s Khuzaima Tanveer was also impressive with 2 for 34, as the Vipers showed their composure once again. In the second innings, MI Emirates lost an early wicket when Tanveer dismissed Jonny Bairstow (8 off 7) in the second over. It was Muhammad Waseem (24 0ff 21) and Tom Banton (34 off 29) who steered the MI Emirates through the powerplay with the score at 49/1.They erected a 42-run stand in 31 balls before Tanveer struck again in his second spell of the night to remove Waseem. Banton looked in complete control when Nicholas Pooran (31 off 29) joined him in the middle. The duo looked settled, completing another 42-run partnership, this time in 40 balls. However, Sam Curran sent Pooran back in the 14th over with 62 needed off 36 balls. Banton followed in the next over as Payne bagged his first wicket of the night, bringing the score to 105/4. Tajinder Singh (17 off 7) hit Sam Curran for a couple of sixes that brought MI Emirates ahead of the equation with a 20-run over. Lockie Ferguson then ended Tajinder’s stay at the crease with his first wicket of the match in the 18th over. Another twist in the penultimate over saw Payne turn the match on its head. First, he got Romario Shepherd (1 off 4), followed by the wicket of skipper Kieron Pollard (23 off 13), who looked in good nick. Chris Woakes (0 off 2) followed in the final ball, meaning that MI Emirates needed 16 runs in six balls to secure the victory. Rashid Khan (13* off 8) could have been the match-winner, hitting a six and a four in the final over, but the MI Emirates couldn’t find the two runs needed on the last ball. Batting first, the Vipers started on a promising note, led by Fakhar Zaman (35 off 31). By the end of the powerplay, the Vipers were 51/0, threatening to make their way to a big score. After Andries Gous (21 off 15) retired-hurt, Zaman combined with Max Holden (42 off 37) for a 51-run stand in 37 balls. Allah Ghazanfar then got the breakthrough when Zaman holed out to Tom Banton. Following his wicket, the bowlers kept the pressure on the Vipers, ensuring that boundaries were scarce. Shimron Hetmyer (15 off 9) entered the fray after Holden retired-out and hit the first six of the innings in the 18th over. Soon after, Sam Curran (19 off 19) hit the ball straight into Tom Banton’s hands to give Ghazanfar his second wicket of the night. Dan Lawrence (15* off 8) also provided a key contribution towards the end while Hetmyer was scalped by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the final over of the innings as the Vipers finished at 159/4.
Only mission to make PSL the world’s leading league: Says Mohsin Naqvi
London (Sports News): PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that making the Pakistan Super League the world’s top T20 league is the mission. A modern, fully equipped international-standard cricket stadium will be built in Islamabad, and similarly, a world-class stadium will also be constructed in Muzaffarabad.He said that after approving PSL’s transition into a limited company, its IPO will be launched in the market. From December until the beginning of PSL 11, concerts will be held for cricket fans at all venues.Speaking today at the historic PSL Roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi said that the PSL is emerging as a strong international brand. Increasing the PSL’s global broadcast reach is a key focus. The new tender for PSL’s international media rights has been issued. The PCB has also launched the OTT platform “PCB Live.”For PSL 11, the prize money for the winning team has been set at 500,000 dollars, while the runner-up will receive 300,000 dollars. The franchise demonstrating the best cricket development will receive 200,000 dollars.He added that major opportunities exist for investors in the PSL. The panel included Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer.
MI Emirates beat Sharjah Warriorz by four runs
Sharjah (Sports News): The MI Emirates suffered a late scare but eventually pulled through courtesy an impressive final over from Romario Shepherd as they secured a four-run win over the Sharjah Warriorz at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. UAE star Mohammad Waseem was the highest run-getter for MI Emirates, scoring 39 runs in 29 balls, including two fours and as many sixes. However, it was Tom Banton (32 off 21) and Romario Shepherd, who smashed an unbeaten 31 off 10 balls, including one four and four sixes. This took the score to 185, ensuring that Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Sikander Raza’s half-centuries went in vain. With the ball, Adil Rashid took 3 for 32 for the Warriorz. Batting first, MI Emirates started on a cautious note, with Jonny Bairstow (37 off 24) hitting their first six of the innings only in the third over. That shot sparked a brief surge as they reached 49 without loss at the end of the powerplay, before Junaid Siddique made the breakthrough with the wicket of Bairstow in the next over.Waseem then took charge of the batting, rotating the strike and finding the odd boundary, but Adil Rashid turned the game on its head by dismissing Nicholas Pooran (5 off 12) and removing Waseem two balls later.At 119/3 after 15 overs, MI Emirates needed a strong finish. Banton joined the attack with a crucial 32 off 21 balls, including two fours and one six, anchoring the innings. Shakib Al Hasan (16 off 12) was retired out for skipper Kieron Pollard (4 off 2), while Banton fell soon after to give Rashid his third wicket of the night.Late fireworks came from USA’s Tajinder Singh (17 off 8), who struck Rashid for two sixes in his final over, before Maheesh Theekshana removed Pollard. Shepherd then powered the closing stages, smashing two sixes in the final over to lift MI Emirates to a competitive 185.The Warriorz started the second innings with a spring in their step. Johnson Charles (15 off 13) hit three fours, but Naveen-ul-Haq got the early breakthrough, and Shubham Ranjane (6 off 7) followed soon after, shifting momentum in MI Emirates’ favour. Tim David (13 off 7) hit Fazalhaq Farooqi for three consecutive fours but the Afghan bowler had the last laugh, rattling his stumps to reduce the Warriorz to 48/3 at the end of the powerplay.Kohler-Cadmore then found support from the experienced Raza. The Zimbabwean played the role of the aggressor, finding the regular boundary but also rotating the strike in an able fashion. He backed up his batting with a well-earned half century off just 26 balls, completing the achievement with a six off Shepherd’s bowling. The duo shared a 103-run stand in just 59 balls before Allah Ghazanfar provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Raza. He then struck again with the very next delivery to bowl Dwaine Pretorius, sealing a two-wicket maiden and giving the MI Emirates a crucial lifeline.Kohler-Cadmore also reached his half-century in 40 balls, but the pressure was on the Warriorz, who needed 21 runs in in final two overs. Kohler-Cadmore followed in the next over off Zahoor Khan’s bowling, putting the onus on MI Emirates. Shepherd then closed out the game in the final over with some brilliant death bowling, securing their first win of the season.Brief Scores;MI Emirates 185/8 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 39, Jonny Bairstow 37, Adil Rashid 3 for 32, Tim Southee 1 for 26)Sharjah Warriorz 181/7 (Sikander Raza 64, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 51, Allah Ghazanfar 2 for 21, Naveen-ul-Haq 2 for 29)
UAE’s 15-member squad announced for Men’s U19 Asia Cup
Dubai (Sports News): All-rounder Yayin Rai will lead the 15-member UAE squad for the DP World Men’s U19 Asia Cup (50-overs) which will be played at the ICC Academy Oval and the Sevens Ground (both venues in Dubai) from 11 December to 21 December. UAE are placed in Group A with India, Pakistan and Malaysia. They start their tournament campaign against India on Friday, 12 December at the ICC Academy Oval. UAE next play Malaysia at the Sevens Ground on Sunday, 14 December. Their third group match is against Pakistan which will be played at the ICC Academy Oval on Tuesday, 16 December. The semi-finals will be played on 19 December. The tournament decider will be played on Sunday, 21 December at the ICC Academy Oval.All tournament matches will begin at 9:00am local time. *UAE squad for DP World Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025:* Yayin Rai (captain), Ahmed Khodadad, Aliasgar Shums, Ayaan Misbah, Karan Dhiman, Muhammad Bazil Asim, Naseem Khan, Noorullah Ayobi, Prithvi Madhu, Rayan Khan, Saleh Amin, Shalom D’ Souza, Uddish Suri, Yug Sharma and Zainullah Rahmani. Support Staff: Naveed Ahmed (head coach), Zahoor Khan (assistant coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Manpreet Sidhu (video analyst) and Manish Pradeshi (physiotherapist). U19 Asia Cup (Schedule)Friday, 12 December – India vs UAE – 9:00am, ICC Academy Oval, DubaiSunday, 14 December – UAE vs Malaysia – 9:00am, Sevens Ground, DubaiTuesday, 16 December – Pakistan vs UAE – 9:00am, ICC Academy Oval, DubaiFriday, 19 December – Semi-Finals, ICC Academy Oval and Sevens Ground, DubaiSunday, 21 December – Final, ICC Academy Oval Dubai.
T20: Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets
Cox’s Bazar (Sports News): Bangladesh Women’s U19 beat Pakistan Women’s U19 by seven wickets in the third match of the five-match T20 series at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground on Sunday.After opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 86 for eight in their 20 overs. Captain Eman Naseer provided a brisk start with a 16-ball 23, striking five fours. However, regular wickets halted momentum as Pakistan slipped to 31 for five in the seventh over.Zoofishan Ayyaz (14, 33b, 2x4s), Rozina Akram (8, 14b, 1x4) and Mahnoor Zaib (12, 15b, 1x4) attempted to rebuild, while Memoona Khalid returned unbeaten on 18 off 25 balls, which included two fours to guide the side past 80. For Bangladesh, Otoshi Mojumder and Habiba Islam Pinky claiming two wickets each.In turn, Bangladesh achieved the 87-run target in 13.3 overs. Despite losing two early wickets for eight runs, the hosts recovered through an unbeaten 30 from Achena Jannat Emanta.Captain Sadia Islam scored 35 off 28 balls with three fours and three sixes to steer her side to win. For Pakistan, Mahnoor Zaib, Memoona Khalid, Rozina Akram bagged one wicket apiece.With today’s win, the hosts lead the five-match series 2-1. The fourth match will take place on 10 December, followed by fifth match on 12 December.Scores in brief:Pakistan 86-8, 20 overs (Eman Naseer 23; Otoshi Mojumder 2-12, Habiba Islam Pinky 2-25)Bangladesh 87-3, 13.3 overs (Sadia Islam 35, Achena Jannat Emanta 30 not out)Player of the match – Sadia Islam (Bangladesh)
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